Be Informed and Prepared When Severe Weather Hits

(ROCKWALL, TX – April 17, 2019) Have you subscribed for the Nixle app yet? Nixle is an extremely helpful emergency notification system that provides advanced warning, which is especially beneficial when severe weather comes around. With severe weather in the forecast this week, it’s a good time to discuss safety measures residents can take to stay alert and prepared.

Nixle, utilized by the Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management (RCOEM), allows users to receive an email or text message when severe weather is imminent. In order to sign up for the program, text RCOEM to 888777 or visit nixle.com. The County also uses the service to notify subscribers about major accidents.

In addition to the app, the City of Rockwall maintains 14 outdoor emergency warning sirens strategically placed throughout the city. These sirens are tested on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 2 p.m. unless severe weather is in the area. Outdoor warning sirens are used to warn citizens, who may be outdoors, of an imminent severe weather event in the community and to encourage them to immediately seek shelter indoors.

As a result of findings during routine semi-monthly siren testing, there are four sirens in the process of being repaired or replaced. The good news is that there is system overlap. Residents should be able to hear other sirens in the event that they are sounded. Also, sirens are not intended to warn citizens who may be indoors at the time of the event, although in some cases residents may hear the sirens while inside their home or business. When sirens sound, citizens who are outdoors should quickly move indoors and seek shelter in an innermost room, away from glass windows, and tune to a local news or radio station until it’s been conveyed that safe conditions are restored.

Remember, never call 9-1-1 when you hear sirens sound unless you have a true emergency that requires police or fire response. Since lives could be at stake, 9-1-1 phone lines must remain clear in order to address true emergencies in a timely manner. Using the Nixle app will help you know what is going on. For more information about severe weather and other hazards, please visit www.knowhat2do.com

Submitted by Lauri Dodd, Public Information Officer / Marketing, City of Rockwall